CHICAGO – With the college basketball season set to tip off in just over a week, recruiting activity across the country continues to pick up. Programs are finalizing visits, securing key commitments and setting the stage for what’s shaping up to be another busy winter on the high-school recruiting trail. Here’s a look at some of the notable headlines and developments from this past week.
Five-Star Wing Commits to Duke
Five-star wing Bryson Howard, a 6-foot-5 standout from Frisco, Texas, became Jon Scheyer’s first commitment in Duke’s 2026 recruiting class this week. The son of 10-year NBA veteran Josh Howard, Bryson chose the Blue Devils over Kentucky and North Carolina. While Duke has been relatively quiet early in the 2026 cycle, that could soon change. The Blue Devils remain the favorite for Jordan Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2 guard from Fairfax, Va., who stars at Paul VI, the same program that produced Jeremy Roach, Trevor Keels, Patrick Ngongba and Darren Harris. Smith appears poised to continue that tradition, with Duke still viewed as the frontrunner in his recruitment and Arkansas trailing behind.
Kansas Reels In Fourth Prospect
Kansas added another key piece to its 2026 recruiting class on Friday with the commitment of Luke Barnett, a 6-foot-4 guard from Santa Ana, Calif. Barnett, one of the premier shooters in the class, becomes the fourth pledge for Bill Self and the Jayhawks, joining five-star guard Taylen Kinney along with four-stars Davion Adkins and Trent Perry. The addition strengthens what’s shaping up to be one of Self’s most well-rounded high-school classes throughout the last few recruiting cycles.
Ohio State Lands Local Five-Star
Five-star forward Anthony Thompson, a 6-foot-8 standout from Lebanon, Ohio, announced his commitment to Ohio State this week, ultimately choosing the Buckeyes over Indiana to close out his recruitment. After taking several visits, Thompson opted to stay close to home, with sources indicating Ohio State made a strong impression both in its offer and staff connection. He joins four-star guard Marcus Johnson and four-star big man Alex Smith in what’s turned into an impressive 2026 class for Jake Diebler and his staff. The Buckeyes remain in the mix for four-star big man Tristan Reed out of Saint Louis, who recently named Ohio State among his final five alongside Michigan State, Missouri, Mississippi State and Maryland.
The Muss Bus Drives from Coast to Coast
Eric Musselman and USC landed their first commitments in the 2026 class, securing pledges from twin 7-footers Darius and Adonis Ratliff of White Plains, N.Y. The sons of 16-year NBA veteran Theo Ratliff bring length, athleticism and plenty of upside to the Trojans’ frontcourt. Their commitment gives Musselman a strong foundation to build upon as USC turns its attention to five-star forward Christian Collins, a 6-foot-8 forward from Bellflower, Calif. who visited campus in late August, and Anthony Felesi, a 6-foot-5 wing out of Hurricane, Utah, who recently included the Trojans in his final five schools. Collins, a local star out of St. John Bosco, canceled his visit to Tennessee this weekend and sources tell me will likely be deciding between USC and Kentucky in the end.
Fast Rising Center Commits to Bucky Ball
One of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2026 class, 6-foot-11 big man Josh Irving, committed to Texas A&M on Thursday, choosing the Aggies over Louisville, Kentucky and several others. The Pasadena, Calif. native has made major strides in his overall game over the past year and becomes the second commitment in A&M’s 2026 class, joining four-star guard Neiko Mundey in Bucky McMillan’s inaugural recruiting haul. The Aggies also recently hosted five-star forward Caleb Gaskins for an official visit, with sources indicating that a decision is expected to come sometime at the beginning of November, if not early next week.
Five-Star Forward Nearing Decision
Five-star forward Caleb Gaskins is approaching the conclusion of his recruitment, with sources indicating a decision could come as early as next week. The 6-foot-8 forward from Melbourne, Fla., is expected to choose between Florida, Texas A&M, Miami and Ole Miss, with a visit to Ole Miss still currently scheduled for Nov. 8. Sources say Miami currently holds the edge in the race and that it’s likely Gaskins cancels his final scheduled visit. While Gaskins has kept his recruitment mostly under the radar, his commitment will instantly elevate the program that can reel him in.
Arizona Trending for Two Top Prospects
Five-star forward Cameron Williams has narrowed his recruitment to three schools, with Duke, Arizona and Texas still in the mix. The 6-foot-11 forward from Phoenix, Ariz. has taken official visits to all three programs, but sources indicate that Arizona remains in the driver’s seat heading into the home stretch. The Wildcats have made Williams a top priority from the beginning, recruiting him alongside 6-foot-6 wing Cameron Holmes, a four-star from Goodyear, Ariz. Both players appear to be nearing their decisions, with Arizona trending as the favorite to land the in-state duo.
Karvala Cuts List, Announces Decision Date
Four-star wing Vaughn Karvala announced this week that he has officially narrowed his recruitment to three schools following the conclusion of his official visits. Cal, Xavier and Indiana remain in the mix for the 6-foot-6 prospect out of Oregon, Wis., who has drawn attention for his versatility on both ends of the floor and his wide ranging offensive skillset. Sources indicate Indiana has emerged as the front-runner, with Karvala’s final visit to the Hoosiers last week likely solidifying their position. Karvala is expected to make his decision Nov. 1. The Hoosiers currently have one commitment in their 2026 class in four-star guard Prince Alexander-Moody out of District Heights, Md.
Sadler’s Recruitment Picking Up Steam
Four-star guard Miles Sadler’s recruitment gained momentum this week as the 5-foot-11 prospect from Scottsdale, Ariz., took official visits to Oklahoma and West Virginia. Sadler previously visited Tennessee and UC Santa Barbara in September, and sources say he could be nearing the end of his recruitment. Oklahoma and West Virginia are currently considered the leaders, with the Mountaineers making a late push and prioritizing the speedy guard. West Virginia assistant Yusuf Ali could be the X-factor if Sadler ends up in Morgantown, as Ali has built a strong relationship with him dating back to his time at Arizona State. With the early signing period steadily approaching, all eyes will be on Sadler’s final decision.
Former Top Overall Prospect Continues Run of Visits
Five-star wing Baba Oladotun is set to take an official visit to Arkansas this weekend. The 6-foot-10 small forward from Silver Springs, Md., was formerly the top player in the 2027 class before reclassing to 2026. Oladotun recently visited Kentucky and has also taken official visits to Maryland, Georgetown and his father’s alma mater, Virginia Tech. There is currently no set timetable for a commitment nor is there a true favorite, and sources indicate his recruitment could extend into the high school season. Oladotun is one of the most high-upside prospects in the country.
Five-Star Guard Visiting Houston This Weekend
Houston hosted 2026 five-star guard Caleb Holt on an official visit this weekend. The 6-foot-5 prospect from New Market, Ala. has had a busy schedule of late, stopping at Alabama, Ole Miss, Providence, Arizona, Kentucky and Arkansas. While Holt’s recruitment was initially expected to extend into the spring, the recent flurry of visits has sparked speculation that a commitment could come sooner. He will be a name to watch as the college basketball season tips off and more top prospects begin to announce their decisions.
Big Recruiting Weekend on Rocky Top
Rick Barnes and Tennessee are hosting a busy recruiting weekend, welcoming two of the top available guard prospects in the country. Five-star Deron Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-2 guard from Blairstown, N.J. is in the midst of nearly 10 scheduled visits and remains one of the Vols’ top targets. Jasiah Jervis, a 6-foot-4 guard from White Plains, N.Y. will also be on campus, although sources indicate NC State and Michigan State currently hold the edge in his recruitment. Five-star forward Christian Collins was originally scheduled to visit Rocky Top this weekend, but sources say that visit was canceled and is unlikely to be rescheduled. It promises to be a pivotal weekend for Barnes and his staff as they continue to add to an already talented recruiting class.
